The Pinnacles Desert — Attraction in Nambung

This is a bucket-list item for sure, and if it’s not on yours, re-think. There’s simply nothing like it that is as otherworldly and beautiful and easy to get to.

Fantastic spires of limestone, each unique, march across this desert sand like petrified soldiers heading to the coast.

Sure, the scientific explanation is that they are stacks of solidified shells created some 20 to 30 thousand years ago when the area was covered by water. But if you can set that aside and look with imagination, you’ll see all kinds of cool things.

There is a 4.5 km loop road with pullout points in addition to walking trails. We had intended to drive the loop as well as do parts by walking, but as we entered, the attendant told us we couldn’t take our SUV on the road because it requires 4WD. Bummer. This is a recent requirement due to some big potholes caused by weather events. I hope they fix the road quickly so that the sights are accessible for visitors who aren’t able to walk on the trails.

So we parked and took off. And wow, it was awesome. We quickly realized that it’s easy to lose the path, but that’s ok. As long as you keep your bearings by noting where the road is, you are free to wander among the pinnacles at will. But watch your step, as Western Rattlesnakes inhabit the national park.

Do be very careful overall. A sign warns us not to climb on the pinnacles, because they are fragile and top heavy and can break and/or fall. If you are going to walk, get there EARLY and take enough water, because it gets crazy hot. We got there about 8:30 and spent about two hours total, as we had to travel further north. I would love to come at sunset, but it wasn’t possible for us.

We spotted an emu wandering through the pinnacles. You might also see kangaroos, possums, skinks, and lots of sorts of birds.

One of the signs tells the wonderful Dreamtime story told by the Noongar people, the traditional owners, about the origin of the spires.

There are restrooms at the excellent Visitors Center and a particularly nice gift shop. For the best photos, come in the early morning or late afternoon, when the low angle of the sun creates long shadows and brings the...

Our guide for the day, Casper, Autopia,was wonderful. The tour met at 12:30 PM in front of the hotel near Perth Station. Our guide led us onto the bus. Along the way, we stopped off at two beaches with different views for a break, and we were also guided to the remains of a bushfire. Along the way, we could see mysterious plants and the pure white desert in the distance from the bus window. Entering the Pinnacles Desert was breathtaking. The area near the entrance was well-maintained for tourists, which made me a little worried, but once we entered the desert, we were greeted by countless strange rock formations that seemed like they belonged on an isthmus. These formations stretched far and wide, with stone gravestones stretching as far as the eye could see. Unlike the small and disappointing sights, the Pinnacles Desert is far more vast than it appears in photos, stretching so far that it would be impossible to see it all. It felt like being stranded on Mars. We regrouped as the sun set and dinner was served: wine, bread, salad, ham, salami, fruit, and more. You can see the ocean in the distance, and even after the sun has set, the unique glow that you can only find here continues to captivate you. And when the sky darkens, you can see a starry sky that far exceeds your imagination. Stars large and small twinkle in the sky, and the Milky Way clearly crossing the midheaven. For Japanese visitors, seeing the Southern Cross is especially moving. Kasper kindly guided me through the stars, even pointing out the Southern Cross with a pointer. I set off home around 8 p.m., and the road was pitch black. I was scheduled to arrive in central Perth at 9:30 p.m., but it looked like it would be 10 p.m. (I was told this would depend on traffic conditions upon departure.) Even in Perth, caution is required at night, especially if you're...

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Pinnacles in Perth for the second time, and once again, it left me in awe. This place is truly mesmerizing, as if stepping into another world altogether.

First and foremost, the Pinnacles offer a remarkable visual experience, perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy photos. The sheer scale of the place is awe-inspiring, with vast expanses that seem to stretch beyond the horizon.

I must admit, during my first visit in winter, the presence of houseflies detracted from the overall enjoyment. However, on my second visit, to my delight, not a single housefly was in sight. This improvement significantly enhanced the experience, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the enchanting beauty of the Pinnacles.

If you plan on exploring the Pinnacles alone, it's crucial to be mindful of your whereabouts. As you wander deeper into the desert, it's easy to lose track of your path. Ensure you have a clear sense of direction to avoid getting lost in this vast and captivating landscape.

In my opinion, the Pinnacles stand as one of the natural wonders of Australia. Its otherworldly allure and unique formations make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Overall, my experience at the Pinnacles was truly remarkable. It's a place that transports you to a different realm, leaving you in awe of nature's wonders. With its captivating beauty and improved fly situation, the Pinnacles is a destination that deserves recognition as a natural gem...